Page 104 of Steel Beauty

Every nerve in my body tingles with white-hot pleasure as we both reach our climax, leaving us breathless and shaking in each other’s arms. The world around us becomes a blur of sensations, and all that exists is the overwhelming rush of pleasure coursing through us.

For long moments, we remain entwined, our hearts racing in tandem as we slowly drift back down to earth. I pepper soft kisses across Magnolia’s face––her closed eyelids, her cheeks, the corner of her mouth. When she finally opens her eyes, they’re filled with such tenderness that it makes my heart ache.

As I gaze at Magnolia’s flushed face and tousled hair, a realization dawns on me. This woman, who can appear so angelic and pure, possesses a devilish side that sets my blood on fire.She’s not only the sweet, innocent girl next door. She’s also the seductress who can reduce me to a primal, lustful creature with a simple look or a touch. The angel and the devil, both wrapped up in one intoxicating package. And I’m utterly addicted.

Magnolia gives me a coy smile. “What are you thinking about?”

“You. And how you manage to be both the sweetest and the sexiest woman I’ve ever known.”

She laughs, a musical sound that makes my heart skip.

I pull her closer, reveling in the warmth of her soft skin against mine, and press a kiss to her forehead. “You’re incredible, you know that?”

Magnolia hums contentedly, snuggling into my chest. “You’re pretty incredible yourself,” she says, her breath tickling my skin.

As we lie in the afterglow, I’m struck by how right this feels. It’s not just the sex though that certainly doesn’t hurt. It’s the way Magnolia fits so perfectly in my arms, how her laughter bubbles up so easily, how her eyes sparkle when she looks at me. I trail my fingers lazily along her spine, savoring the little shiver it elicits.

She arches into my touch. “Mmm, that feels nice.”

“Yeah, this is nice.”

With Magnolia, I find myself craving more than the physical connection. I want lazy Sunday mornings and shared inside jokes. I want to know her hopes and fears, her dreams and regrets. I want to be the one she turns to when she needs support and the one she celebrates with when she succeeds.

Sensing the shift in my mood, Magnolia props herself up on an elbow. She studies my face, a hint of concern in her eyes. “Is everything okay?”

I gaze into her eyes, captivated by the flecks of gold. “Yeah,” I say, reaching up to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “Just thinking about how good this feels.”

She smiles softly, her fingers tracing idle patterns on my shoulder. “It feels really good, doesn’t it?”

I nod, but inside, a storm of thoughts brews. In five weeks, she’ll be gone—back to the States—and the idea of losing her feels unbearable. She’s more than I ever expected to find; she’s everything I’ve been searching for.

I can’t let this slip away. Not without trying to make her stay, to show her that what we have is worth holding on to. The distance, the challenges—they all seem insignificant compared to the thought of not having her in my life.

As she nestles back against me, I make a silent vow. I’ll find a way to convince her that this connection between us is just the beginning of something extraordinary. Letting her go when the time is up isn’t an option.

Not anymore.

Chapter25

Magnolia Steel

The emerald-green gownhugs my body perfectly, its bold elegance a stunning mix of refinement and allure. Alex chose it himself, insisting it was the one, and now I see why. The mirror reflects more than the dress—it shows a woman ready to step into a new chapter, into Alex’s world, even if it feels a little daunting.

In the living room, he stands by the window, adjusting his cuff links with practiced ease. The tux fits him flawlessly, accentuating his broad shoulders and exuding a quiet confidence. For a moment, I pause in the doorway, taking him in. This is Alex Sebring—poised, polished, completely at home in a world of elegance and refinement.

For him, this is normal. It’s second nature.

For me, this is intimidating.

He turns as I step forward, his gaze sweeping over me before locking on to mine. His smile is subtle but loaded with meaning. “You’re breathtaking.”

“Thank you.” I smile back, a mix of nerves and anticipation fluttering in my chest. “You don’t look so bad yourself. You clean up pretty well, big guy.”

His grin widens as he closes the space between us. “Onlypretty well, huh? I was hoping for something more like devastatingly handsome or maybe dangerously debonair.”

“Fine, Mr. Dangerously Debonair.” I laugh, shaking my head. “You’re a solid ten, tux or not.”

“Much better,” he says, pulling me closer.

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